CORONAVIRUS:KUWAIT OFW QUARANTINE DAY #08 -A Good Purpose with Right Actions

March 19, 2020, Thursday

“There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.”

Mandy Hale

As the threat of the pandemic continues around the globe, everyone should think about the ways on how we can look after one another. Different nations have already imposed different strategic guidelines. In Kuwait, the Ministry of Health has reported six new COVID-19 cases with three recoveries in this Thursday of March 19, 2020. It brings to a total of 148 cases with 18 recoveries.

Within the new cases, 4 are Kuwait citizens with travel history to the United Kingdom, and 2 are Kuwait citizens who had contact with cases traveling to the United Kingdom. Currently, there are 130 active cases in the country. Compared to yesterday’s report, the new number of cases has decreased.

Extension of Private and Public School’s Suspension

Amidst this ongoing health crisis, the Kuwait government shows its concern to its educational students, who will soon be the country’s future. To protect their safety and welfare, they imposed the proposed plans for the resumption of classes. The Kuwaiti Cabinet has announced the extension of all private and public schools’ suspension until August 4, 2020, due to the ongoing threat of the COVID-19 disease instead of ending it on March 25, 2020. It also applies as well as to the higher educational institutions.

The authorities intended the new school year to start on December 1, 2020. For the educational institutions that still have the remaining period of 2^nd semester, they will reopen for five to six weeks. The implemented decision is a part of the continuous follow up to the COVID-19 developments, as said by Government Spokesman, Tariq Al-Mazram.

It is good to know that the authorities extended the suspension. With the ongoing rise of COVID-19 cases, there is no assurance that these students will be safe if their classes are resumed. It would only contribute to the further spread of the virus.

Announcement for New Nuclear Request

The Nuclear Medicine Department has also released an announcement about the new nuclear requests. It has stated that the department will not be processing any new nuclear requests from the outpatient department until further notice because of current circumstances. Furthermore, the Nuclear Medicine Department is restricted to provide services for patients from the Emergency department. However, they will provide services to those admitted to the hospital.

Blood Donation for the Patients

The Syrian community posted a video about their willingness to donate blood to the Blood Bank in Kuwait. In these times of crisis, many hospitals need blood donors and donations to save their patients’ lives. Their act of kindness deeply touches me on the community as they help the victims of this pandemic.

However, it is not at all times that benevolent purpose is done through legal actions.  The authorities reported a Kuwaiti woman who violated the self-isolation rule against COVID-19 after posting a video showing non-compliance with the guidelines by going to the Blood Bank for donation. As a result, the authorities put her under quarantine. The Ministry of Interior has urged the community to abide by the decisions and instructions executed by the government. They further warned that any violators would face legal action inevitably.

The Kuwaiti woman should have consulted the authorities about the proper procedure in donating blood during this crisis. Just because she is willing to go for a blood donation does not mean that she is permitted to go outside. She has a useful purpose, but her actions are wrong, considering the government’s implemented measures. They must follow proper procedures first to avoid any violation against these rules.

Today marks the 8^th day of the compulsory quarantine.  The rising number of patients infected with COVID-19 disease has resulted in exceptional circumstances in our healthcare establishments. I give my salute to the healthcare workers who are serving and risking their lives each day to save these COVID-19 patients.

First Confirmed Filipino Case in Kuwait

The Philippine Embassy on Kuwait has released a statement about the first confirmed Filipino case of COVID-19 in Kuwait. The Embassy informs the Filipino community that a female domestic worker is the first confirmed Filipino case in the country. They reported that she had close contact with someone from the United Kingdom who has a travel history. According to the health authorities, her condition is currently stable. Both the Embassy and POLO-OWWA are monitoring the case. With this report, they reminded all Filipinos to always stay healthy at home and to abide by the instructions given by the Kuwaiti authorities. 

I am greatly saddened and worried at this report knowing that one of my fellow citizens has contracted the disease. I hope for her fast recovery with the disease. Her case will be a serious reminder to the Overseas Filipino Workers to always practice healthy precautions suggested by the World Health Organization during this crisis.

The Philippine Embassy has published an advisory about the compulsory quarantine in Kuwait. The Embassy has advised all Filipinos in Kuwait to stay at home for the Kuwait Police is stringent in implementing it. The “stay at home” policy proves to be effective in halting the spread of COVID-19 disease.

The arriving Filipinos in Kuwait from the countries of China, Egypt, France, Germany, Iran, Hong Kong, Iraq, Italy, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom, and the United States must undergo the compulsory institutional quarantine at the location prepared by the Ministry of Health. 

 For those Filipinos who returned to Kuwait from the countries not mentioned above, they advised them to undergo compulsory home quarantine for 14 days. To those who are under home quarantine, they should register online by visiting https://hcarea.com/ through Google Chrome.

With the Embassy’s given public advisory, I hope all of the Filipinos in Kuwait will remain safe and sound through these days of the pandemic. In case of emergency, the Department of Foreign Affairs has also provided these contact numbers. It is to ensure the safety of the Overseas Filipino Workers in Kuwait.

Temporary Halt of Visas for All Foreign Nationals

In the Philippines, the Department of Health has announced 15 new COVID-19 cases with one recovery. It brings to a total of 217 cases with 17 deaths and eight recovered cases. Compared to yesterday, the new number of COVID-19 cases stays the same.

The Department of Foreign Affairs Secretary Teodoro Locsin Jr. has announced the temporary halt of visas to all foreign nationals. The previously issued Philippine visas to foreign nationals are deemed canceled. However, the visas issued to foreign spouses and children of Filipino nationals remain valid. It is to prevent further risks of contracting the COVID-19 virus due to international flights coming to the Philippines. 

I commend the decision of the DFA to reduce the transmission of the coronavirus through international flights. It will help the Philippine government is focusing its battle on the local transmission of the COVID-19 outbreak.  

“Bago ang pagkapahamak ay pagmamalaki ng puso ng tao, at bago ang karangalan ang pagpapakumbaba.”

Kawikaaan 18:12

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